Kangaroos star Tom Dearden has welcomed his first child with partner Millie.
The NRL player left the national team’s camp and flew to Sydney to be with Millie for their daughter’s birth before flying back to Brisbane to play in the match against Fiji on Sunday.
The couple’s daughter, Dolly June Dearden, was born on Friday, October 23, and two days later her father’s team won 36-22.
Despite the whirlwind weekend, the North Queensland Cowboys halfback couldn’t help but gush about his baby girl post-match.
“It’s so exciting to be able to go down and witness my partner give birth to a beautiful little baby girl,” he told Channel 7 after the match.
“She’s so perfect.
“I’m so proud of Millie as well – she was a trooper. It’s so exciting.”
The couple announced Dolly’s arrival on Instagram this week, describing her as their “whole world, forever”.
“The best birthday present I could have ever asked for,” they wrote.
“(On) 23.10.26, we got to meet our little girl. Dolly June Dearden.
“Our whole world, forever.”
Dearden admitted the experience had left him short on sleep heading into the Fiji clash, but Australia secured a 14-point victory to continue its World Cup campaign.
He will now prepare for Saturday night’s match against the Cook Islands, having been named to start in the No.7 jersey.
His position in the halves remains a talking point as coach Kevin Walters weighs up his options for the semi-finals.
Dearden’s NRL future has also attracted attention amid speculation about a possible move to Sydney, although he remains contracted to the Cowboys until the end of 2029, and has rejected the rumours.
“I’m committed to the Cowboys until the end of 2029 and I think it’s a bit silly that you have to get up here and speak to a bit of nonsense that’s going around,” he said.
Images: Instagram
